Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: A Quieter Alternative to Halong Bay

Last Updated: October 2026

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders, and it’s easy to see why. With thousands of towering limestone islands rising from emerald-green waters, it’s one of the most spectacular landscapes in Southeast Asia. But there’s one downside to its popularity: the crowds! Halong Bay attracts huge numbers of visitors, and its busiest cruising routes can feel anything but peaceful.

Thankfully, there’s a quieter alternative nearby: Bai Tu Long Bay. Located northeast of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay offers the same breathtaking limestone scenery, but with fewer cruise boats and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

When planning our trip to Vietnam, we wanted to experience this incredible landscape without being surrounded by hundreds of other tourists. After some research, we decided to book a three-day, two-night cruise aboard the beautiful Dragon Legend. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip!

From kayaking between limestone islands to visiting a floating fishing village, exploring caves and enjoying a beach BBQ, our time in Bai Tu Long Bay was unforgettable. In this guide, we’ll share our experience cruising Bai Tu Long Bay, why we chose it over Halong Bay, and everything you need to know to plan your own visit.

We travelled aboard the Dragon Legend in 2018. This review reflects our personal experience at the time, while the practical travel information has been updated for 2026.

Where is Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay is located in northeastern Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province, just northeast of the famous Halong Bay. Both bays are part of the same spectacular coastal landscape, characterised by towering limestone karsts, emerald waters and hundreds of islands.

While Halong Bay receives most of the international attention, Bai Tu Long Bay remains a quieter alternative, with fewer cruise boats and a more peaceful atmosphere.

Most overnight cruises depart from the Halong City area, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road from Hanoi, depending on traffic, your departure point and the transfer service.

Bai Tu Long Bay vs Halong Bay: Which is Better?

Both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer spectacular scenery, with towering limestone islands, emerald waters and hidden caves. The main difference is the crowds!

Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most famous cruising destination, attracting huge numbers of visitors. It offers a wider choice of cruises, from budget day trips to luxury overnight experiences, but its popular routes can become very crowded.

Bai Tu Long Bay, on the other hand, is a quieter alternative, with fewer cruise boats and a more peaceful atmosphere. You’ll enjoy equally breathtaking scenery, along with opportunities for kayaking, cave exploration and visiting floating fishing villages.

We chose Bai Tu Long Bay because we wanted to escape the crowds and enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. And we certainly didn’t regret it!

Our recommendation: If you prefer peaceful surroundings and fewer tourists, Bai Tu Long Bay is the better choice. However, Halong Bay offers more cruise options, particularly for those on a tighter budget or schedule.

Spending some time in Hanoi before your cruise? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Hanoi for our favourite sights, experiences and travel tips.

How to Choose Your Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

Choosing a Halong Bay cruise can be overwhelming, with hundreds of boats and numerous operators to choose from. Thankfully, Bai Tu Long Bay has far fewer cruise options, making the decision a little easier.

However, there are still several operators offering everything from traditional wooden junks to luxury cruises, with prices varying considerably.

Before booking, compare the itineraries, cabin facilities, reviews and what’s included in the price. Cheaper isn’t always better, especially when you’ll be spending one or two nights aboard!

We recommend choosing a reputable operator and, if time allows, booking a three-day, two-night cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of the bay.

A Two-Day or Three-Day Cruise?

With seven nights in the Hanoi region, we decided to book a three-day, two-night cruise, and we’re so glad we did!

Most operators offer both options, but keep in mind that a two-day, one-night cruise gives you less than 24 hours on the water. Boats typically depart around lunchtime and return late the following morning.

Add a 2.5 to 3.5-hour transfer from Hanoi each way, and you’ll have very little time to enjoy the bay.

The three-day cruises travel further up into the bay, putting some distance between them and the other cruise boats. If you have the time, I highly recommend the longer cruise. Had we chosen the two-day, one night cruise, we would have missed some of the highlights of our trip, such as the visit to a local fishing village and a BBQ lunch on a deserted beach.

They do have some one day cruises from Hanoi, but to be honest if you choose a one day cruise you’re going to regret it. You will only have a few hours on board the cruise and you just won’t be going far in the bay. Before you know it, you’ll have to head back for another long bus ride. Not worth it in my opinion.

Our recommendation: If your itinerary and budget allow, choose the three-day cruise. You’ll have an extra day to explore, kayak and soak up the spectacular scenery without feeling rushed.

Why did we choose the Dragon Legend Boat?

Dragon Legend is owned by Indochina Junk and it is regarded as one of the best luxury cruise options on Halong Bay. They have tons of great reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s great value and it’s the best cruise for couples.

Dragon Legend offers more of an “off-the-beaten-track” experience because their cruise takes you to some of the less visited parts of Bai Tu Long Bay. This made it a much more relaxing trip. Finally, all of their staff members that we dealt with, both during the booking process and onboard, were extremely helpful and friendly.

The boats

The Dragon Legend boats are luxurious while maintaining a Vietnamese style. The boats feature four decks, inside and outside restaurants, a spa, a fitness centre, a bar, a small swimming pool and a large sundeck area. With only twenty-four rooms, our boat certainly didn’t feel too crowded.

The rooms

Each of the twenty-four spacious, wood-panelled cabins are comfortable and beautifully furnished. They are decorated with authentic, handmade art from various regions throughout Vietnam. The bathrooms even include a bathtub, perfect for a night time soak with an amazing view, after a long day spent exploring the bay. The beds were extremely comfortable and we both slept like babies!

The food

Every meal served on the boat is freshly made and is authentic Vietnamese cuisine. You even get two Pho options for breakfast! Crew note each passenger’s dietary requirements before boarding the boat, so everyone is catered for. We both have dietary requirements and we certainly didn’t go hungry!

What were the activities onboard the Dragon Legend?

Tai Chi

If you like to wake up early then you can start a brand new day with a Tai Chi lesson on the top deck. The morning views of the bay are spectacular as the sun rises. If Tai Chi is not your thing you can always grab a cup of tea or coffee and head there anyway. Sit on one of the long chairs and enjoy the sunrise while checking out the Tai Chi lesson.

Kayaking

We had the opportunity to go kayaking on the first two days of the cruise. One of our tour guides lead the way, while we paddled behind, enjoying the beautiful limestone islands around us. Kayaking was a great way to get up close to them and to see them from a different angle. I am not a big fan of kayaking (I have a constant fear of capsizing), but I really enjoyed kayaking around Bai Tu Long Bay.

The Vung Vieng fishing village & local Pearl farm

On our second day, we visited the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, one of the biggest and most beautiful fishing villages along Halong Bay. This village is home to around four hundred people, who rely solely on the waters of Halong Bay to make their living.

In this village, homes, a school and a community hall are all built over the water. Seeing these buildings floating within a natural limestone island harbour was an incredible highlight for us. We also visited a local pearl farm where we learnt how pearls are grown and harvested.

Thien Canh Son cave and BBQ on the beach

After visiting the floating village, we were taken to a small island named Paradise Island. We went for a short walk up to visit the Thien Canh Son limestone cave. After exploring this thousand-year-old cave, we walked back down to the beach where a BBQ was ready for us to enjoy. A lunch with our feet in the sand was a great addition to this already amazing trip.

Squid fishing

That’s right, every night after dinner you have the option of joining some of the crew for squid fishing.

When to Visit Bai Tu Long Bay?

The best times to visit Bai Tu Long Bay are generally March to April and October to November, when temperatures are pleasant and conditions are more favourable for cruising, kayaking and exploring.

However, cruises operate year-round. December to February can be cool and misty, while May to September brings hotter, more humid weather and heavier rainfall.

The biggest concern during summer is the risk of tropical storms and typhoons, particularly from July to September. These can cause cruises to be delayed or cancelled at short notice.

On the plus side, you may find cheaper cruise deals during the low season. Just make sure you check the operator’s cancellation policy before booking!

How much is a three day, two-night cruise on the Dragon Legend?

A three day, two-night cruise on the Dragon Legend costs $419 USD per person for a double cabin. However, they also have an early bird and last minute rates of $405 USD per person for all bookings confirmed < 10 days or > 45 days prior to departure date. This includes all food and water (but not soft drinks or alcohol), all tour activities, a luxury return van transfer from Hanoi, and a water puppet show at the Yen Duc Village during the return trip to Hanoi.

Practical Tips for Your Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

• Book in advance: Especially during the peak travel months of March, April, October and November, when popular cruises can fill up quickly.
• Pack light: Bring a small overnight bag with comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent. A light jacket is useful during the cooler months.
• Bring a camera: The limestone scenery is spectacular, particularly at sunrise and sunset!
• Check what’s included: Some cruises charge extra for drinks, transfers or certain activities, so check before booking.
• Allow some flexibility: Tropical storms can cause last-minute cancellations, particularly between July and September. Avoid scheduling your cruise immediately before an international flight.
• Bring some cash: Useful for drinks, tips and any additional expenses not included in your cruise package.

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out our Vietnam itinerary for more inspiration on where to go and what to see in this incredible country.

Where to stay in Hanoi before or after your Dragon Legend cruise?

We stayed at Hanoi Gold Holiday Hotel, right in the heart of the Old Quarter. The location was fantastic, and our room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The manager and staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Hanoi, here are three options to consider:

Budget – Hanoi Gold Holiday Hotel: A convenient and affordable base for exploring the Old Quarter.

Mid-range – La Siesta Premium Hang Be: A stylish boutique hotel in the Old Quarter, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop bar.

Luxury – The Oriental Jade Hotel: An elegant hotel close to Hoan Kiem Lake, featuring a rooftop swimming pool and lovely city views.

Other Accommodation

Use the search box below to find your accommodation in Hanoi:

Have you visited Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Free Two Roam endorses a policy of full disclosure.  This cruise was not sponsored or paid for by Indochina Junk. These are our own views and opinions of this company.

Read More

8 Reasons Why we Loved the Chaotic City of Hanoi

This is How People Use Their Motorbikes in Hanoi